top of page

Understanding the Specs: A Beginner's Guide to Standalone Image Scanners


Ricoh Scanner

Introduction: Welcome to Classic Business Products' guide to understanding the specifications of standalone image scanners! Whether you're a small business owner, a home office worker, or just someone who wants to digitize your documents and photos, knowing what these technical terms mean can help you choose the right scanner for your needs.


1. Resolution: The Clarity of Your Scans

  • What is it? Resolution is measured in dpi (dots per inch) and refers to the level of detail a scanner can capture. The higher the dpi, the clearer and more detailed your scanned image will be.

  • Why does it matter? Higher resolution is crucial for tasks like scanning photographs or detailed documents. However, keep in mind that higher resolution scans take up more storage space and take longer to complete.

2. Color Depth: Capturing the True Colors

  • What is it? Color depth, measured in bits, indicates how many colors the scanner can capture. A 24-bit scanner can reproduce 16.7 million colors, while a 48-bit scanner can capture over 280 trillion!

  • Why does it matter? If color accuracy is important for your work, such as in graphic design or photo archiving, you'll want a scanner with a higher color depth.

3. Scan Speed: How Fast Can It Go?

  • What is it? This is often measured in ppm (pages per minute) and ipm (images per minute). It tells you how quickly the scanner can process pages.

  • Why does it matter? If you have a lot of documents to scan regularly, a faster scanner will save you a lot of time.

4. Connectivity: How the Scanner Talks to Your Devices

  • What is it? This refers to how the scanner connects to your computer or network. Options include USB, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet.

  • Why does it matter? Your connectivity needs will depend on your work setup. Wi-Fi and Ethernet are great for office environments, while a USB connection might suffice for a single user.

5. Size and Portability: Fitting into Your Space

  • What is it? Scanners come in various sizes, from compact, portable models to larger, office-centric devices.

  • Why does it matter? Consider the space you have and whether you need to move the scanner around. A smaller scanner is great for tight spaces or mobility, while larger models often offer more features and higher capacity.

Conclusion: We hope this guide helps demystify the specifications of standalone image scanners. Remember, the best scanner for you depends on your specific needs – whether it's high-resolution scans, color accuracy, speed, connectivity, or size. Feel free to explore our range at Classic Business Products to find the perfect match for your scanning requirements.


7 views0 comments
bottom of page